Seat launches the Altea Freetrack

Seat has toughened up its Altea XL by giving it a more rugged look and packing it with extra features first previewed by the Freetrack prototype of the recent Geneva Auto Show. This latest variant, called the Altea Freetrack, will arrive in showrooms in September with a range of new diesel and gasoline engines mated to a Haldex AWD system.

The multidisc clutch Haldex system sends drive to the front wheels during most driving conditions but can send torque to the rears if it senses the loss of traction. Ground clearance has also been increased by 40mm and the designers have replaced the bumpers, side-skirts and wheel arches with an expanse of grey plastic cladding.

It hasn’t been confirmed whether Seat will offer the Altea Freetrack with the 240hp 2.0L TFSI engine that was displayed in the prototype version or if it will go with the 160hp 1.8L unit as used by the rest of the range. The crossover will have a diesel option, with a 170hp 2.0L TDI available that consumes just 6.9L of fuel per100km.

Some of the goodies include the ceiling storage compartment with flip-down LCD screen, 17in wheels and folding back seats.